Then, Let Them Offer Their Loyalty!

Chapter 63: Cataclysmic Artifact: Curse Reenactment Agent

Chapter 63: Cataclysmic Artifact: Curse Reenactment Agent

When Qiu Tu explained his predicament, he expressed helplessness, "So now, I can’t clear my name."

Hearing Qiu Tu's words, Qin Shuman's expression turned serious. Taking a deep breath, she said earnestly, "Don't worry. I will help you."

This was exactly what Qiu Tu wanted to hear from Qin Shuman. He continued, "My friends told me that this case is significant, involving Deputy Chairman Tian and several municipal council members."

"So, Yan Chen is likely to use extreme measures."

Qiu Tu then probed, "Do you know what extreme measures he might use? Could these methods trace my use of cataclysmic artifacts last night?"

After pondering for a moment, Qin Shuman slowly explained, "The Investigation Department follows a fixed process for investigating cases."

"If I’m not mistaken, now that the female spy is dead, their first step would be to have an experienced forensic expert examine and autopsy the body to determine the cause of death."

"If the autopsy reveals the cause of death, they will narrow down the list of suspects based on it."

"If the autopsy fails to determine the cause of death, the next step would be ‘Mystic Detection’, to check for traces of cataclysmic powers on the female spy's body."

"If traces of cataclysmic powers are found, they are likely to check all individuals who had contact with the deceased."

"They will check whether these people used any cataclysmic abilities or artifacts."

"Additionally, they might report to higher authorities, request assistance from our Security Division, or directly transfer the case to us. These are the usual procedures, but the specifics depend on the Political Division's choices."

"If, as your friend said, Yan Chen plans to use extreme measures, he might resort to a more brutal approach."

"The Investigation Department has a forbidden drug called ‘Curse Reenactment Agent’."

"This cataclysmic drug is low-level but highly effective. It can disrupt a person’s thoughts and mind, forcing them to relive their recent actions and specifically reenact certain fragments. It's often used in special case interrogations."

"However, the drug has significant side effects, such as memory confusion, partial paralysis, or even death."

"Due to these severe side effects, the shelters classify it as a Category C forbidden drug. Only certain authorized departments can use it under special circumstances."

"Any unauthorized use of this drug is illegal."

After listening to Qin Shuman's explanation, Qiu Tu's face grew somber. He asked, "So if the forensic expert concludes that the female spy died from ordinary injuries, my chances of being a suspect are low since I never had private contact with her."

"But if the female spy died due to cataclysmic abilities or artifacts, I might be traced for using such artifacts and become the prime suspect."

"And if Yan Chen fails to find the murderer or becomes desperate, he might use [Curse Reenactment Agent] on everyone who had contact with the spy, potentially leaving me crippled or dead?"

Qin Shuman nodded solemnly.

Qiu Tu fell silent, understanding Secretary Bai's intentions behind the call. Secretary Bai suspected Qiu Tu might be the assassin and was also concerned that even if Qiu Tu wasn’t the killer, he could be a collateral victim if Yan Chen resorted to extreme measures.

So, what should he do?

Sensing Qiu Tu's stress, Qin Shuman softly sat in his lap, her voice alluring, "Chief Qiu, you have another option."

Qiu Tu looked down at her.

Qin Shuman smiled charmingly, "We can have the Security Division take over the entire case."

"With me around, no one can harm you."

Qiu Tu: ??

Looking into Qin Shuman's eyes, Qiu Tu was momentarily stunned, feeling a strange sense of dependence.

But this thought was quickly dismissed.

Qin Shuman made it sound easy, with her seductive tone suggesting an ulterior motive. Qiu Tu wasn’t fooled by her tempting behavior. The female spy case involved both anti-government forces and espionage, meaning it could be handled by either the Security Division or the Political Division. Unless the Political Division requested assistance, the Security Division wouldn’t interfere, as it would be seen as an affront to the Political Division, Jia Shu, and Yan Chen.

Thus, for the Security Division to take over, Qin Shuman would have to forcefully intervene, risking backlash from both the Political Division and the Security Division.

Realizing Qin Shuman's real intentions behind her seductive tone, Qiu Tu, though touched, patted her hand and said, "No need. It hasn’t reached that point yet."

Seeing that Qiu Tu wasn’t falling for her tricks, Qin Shuman dropped the act. She trusted that Qiu Tu had a plan and would handle the situation wisely, as she would herself.

She lay quietly in Qiu Tu's arms, savoring the rare moment of warmth.

In just one short hour, they transitioned from passionate fervor upon entering to parting with heavy hearts.

In chaotic times, everyone struggles to survive, and romantic feelings can only be suppressed and kept hidden.

Before leaving, Qiu Tu told Qin Shuman about Yan Chen's plan to make him a double agent.

Qin Shuman wasn't surprised. She even hooked her arm around Qiu Tu's neck and coquettishly asked, "So, Chief Qiu, as a double agent, are you on Director Yan's side or mine?"

Qiu Tu laughed and tapped her forehead, "I'm on my own side."

Watching Qiu Tu leave slowly, Qin Shuman looked at his back and softly said, "Bad man."

With a smile, she turned back to the hotel room.

Actually, it wasn't just Qiu Tu who had a mess to deal with. Qin Shuman was also overwhelmed: arranging Fourth Master Qin's placement, dealing with the exposure of spies, and answering to higher-ups—all were giving her headaches.

The bizarre incident five days ago changed too many people and too many things. Every time she thought about it, Qin Shuman felt a lingering fear.

Standing by the bed, looking at the body she had used for several days, Qin Shuman frowned slightly. Her soul had clearly returned to her original body, but the soulless shell hadn't decayed.

She reached out and touched the body, feeling its warmth and softness. She placed her hand over the left side of its chest and could even feel the heartbeat. If she didn't know that "Qin Shuman" was already dead, she would have thought it was a beautiful woman quietly sleeping.

And thinking about how she had returned to her body without "paying" any "price," even without using the prepared cataclysmic artifact, Qin Shuman found it unbelievable.

This gave her a bold idea: could she possess "Qin Shuman's" body again?

Would this possession be like before, easily lifted, or would it be like the past few days, trapped in that body?

And what secrets did the bodies of "Qin Shuman" and "Qiu Tu" hold?

What exactly happened five days ago?

Qin Shuman felt that many mysteries were unfolding before her.

Leaving the Milan Hotel, Qiu Tu drove home. The meeting with Qin Shuman was quite fruitful.

Although he hadn't found a solution to the crisis, he gained a better understanding of the situation's development. This gave him confidence and allowed him to adjust his strategy as the situation evolved.

Of course, his biggest reassurance in refusing Qin Shuman's help was that his crisis detection had not been triggered!

This proved that, at least for now, his life was not in danger. Things were unlikely to develop in the worst possible direction.

Thinking this, Qiu Tu relaxed a lot. But as he relaxed, he couldn't help feeling a bit frustrated: what a missed opportunity!

He had two "Qin Shuman" lying on the same bed with him, and yet nothing happened! The "hidden version" tonight was a total waste!

Feeling frustrated, Qiu Tu drove back to Old Lane Street, parked by the dirty roadside, and turned off the engine. Just as he was about to get out of the car, there was a gentle knock on his window.

Qiu Tu looked up in surprise and saw Liu Fuping, who had been missing for a day, standing outside his car window.

Author's Note